Roy Hodgson's side face Moldova at Wembley on Friday night before travelling to Ukraine next week in what will go a long way in deciding their fate ahead of Brazil next summer.

England lie second in Group H, a two points behind Montenegro with a game in hand, but have big injury problems. They without Wayne Rooney, Glen Johnson and Phil Jones, with a clutch of young players drafted in.

Good enough? You're old enough: Michael Carrick said Roy Hodgson wouldn't pick youngsters if they weren't good enough

Steve Caulker has joined up with the squad but missed training on Wednesday morning, while uncapped pair Barkley and Townsend could be called upon.

Raheem Sterling has played just once for the senior side while Daniel Sturridge - England's in-form front man - is new to the international stage and questions remain over his fitness. The Liverpool also skipped the session at St George's Park.

Carrick isn't fazed about the youthful nature of the squad. The 32-year-old, now an elder statesman, is used to seeing the inexperienced handed their chance.

Newcomers: Ross Barkley and Andros Townsend are in the England squad for the first time

Watchful eye: Hodgson has big decisions to make ahead of the Moldova and Ukraine games

At West Ham United the midfielder was one himself and played at Tottenham during their splurge on domestic talent. Manchester United operate in a similar fashion. When asked about Barkley and Townsend, Carrick's message was clear.

'They wouldn't be selected if the manager didn't think that [they were good enough],' he said. 'Both have had great starts to the season and have really impressed in training already.

'They are big talents and I'm sure are excited to be here looking to improve, progress and be part of it in the future as well.

Out: Wayne Rooney is missing with a cut to his forehead

'You get used to players coming in, left out or injured. That's what it's about in the national team. There are good opportunities for the new lads.

'There is a lot of confidence. If you look around we've got some terrific players. There's a mix of young players coming in for the first, second or third time in the squad. Then there are the senior players. There's a good mix. Everyone's looking forward to the games as confident as we can be.'

Rooney withdrew after he suffered a nasty head wound in training for Manchester United ahead of their weekend defeat at Liverpool.

United manager David Moyes believes it will be three weeks before Rooney is able to play, whilst Theo Walcott has also spoken of the gruesome pictures he has seen of the incident.

Zoom in: Rooney's head injury could keep him out for three weeks

Yet the absence has drawn criticism from some quarters. Carrick was part of the training session when Rooney got injured and feels the criticism is extremely harsh.

'We know what he is like,' said the midfielder.

'If there was a way of playing he would. It is easy for people to look at the past and compare with what has gone on but every situation is different.

'It was a bad cut. It wasn't nice to see.'

England beat Moldova 5-0 this time last year, but Carrick is in no doubt that any suggestion of complacency is unfounded.

Comfortable: Frank Lampard and Tom Cleverley celebrate during England's 5-0 win in Moldova last year

'For us it isn't an issue. We're not going to be complacent at all. Away from home was a terrific result but that's gone - there's nothing we can take from that going into the game,' he added.

'It's a whole new scenario and a different game completely.

'They're all pivotal. You can't look too far ahead. You have to put all your efforts in. It's hard enough winning games at this level. If you don't put the effort in you won't do yourself, your fellow players or your country justice.'